An EDI Consultant plays a critical role in helping businesses exchange data automatically with their trading partners. They act as the bridge between business processes, ERP systems, and EDI technologies, ensuring smooth, secure, and compliant data flow.
An EDI Consultant is responsible for:
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Designing EDI solutions
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Implementing and maintaining EDI integrations
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Supporting trading partner onboarding
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Troubleshooting EDI issues
They work closely with business users, ERP teams, trading partners, and third-party EDI providers.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
1. EDI Implementation
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Analyze business and partner EDI requirements
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Configure EDI standards (X12, EDIFACT, TRADACOMS)
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Set up communication protocols (AS2, OFTP2, SFTP, FTP, VAN)
2. EDI Mapping & Translation
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Map ERP data to EDI formats and vice versa
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Apply partner-specific rules and validations
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Maintain mapping documentation
3. Trading Partner Onboarding
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Coordinate testing with new trading partners
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Manage partner profiles and connectivity
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Ensure compliance with partner guidelines
4. EDI Monitoring & Support
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Monitor daily EDI transactions
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Resolve failures, rejects, and data errors
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Handle acknowledgments (997, CONTRL)
5. Testing, Cutover & Go-Live
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Perform unit, integration, and end-to-end testing
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Execute production cutover activities
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Support post-go-live stabilization
Skills Required to Become an EDI Consultant
Technical Skills
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EDI standards: ANSI X12, EDIFACT
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EDI tools: Cleo, OpenText, IBM Sterling, MuleSoft, Boomi
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Communication: AS2, SFTP, OFPT2, FTP, VAN
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File formats: Flat file, XML, CSV, JSON
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Basic scripting (Python, Shell) – added advantage
Business & Soft Skills
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Understanding of supply chain & order-to-cash process
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Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
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Clear communication with business & partners
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Documentation and attention to detail
Daily Life of an EDI Consultant (Example)
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Monitor EDI dashboards for failures
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Analyze rejected transactions
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Coordinate with trading partners
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Update mappings or partner specs
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Support business users during peak loads
Career Path in EDI
Entry-Level
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EDI Analyst
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Integration Support Analyst
Mid-Level
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EDI Consultant
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Senior EDI Analyst
Senior-Level
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Lead EDI Consultant
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Integration Architect
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B2B Integration Manager
Why EDI Is a Strong Career Choice
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Long-term demand (EDI isn’t going away)
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Used across retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing
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Combines technology + business knowledge
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High responsibility and visibility role
EDI vs API – Skill Expansion
Modern EDI Consultants often expand into:
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API integrations
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Cloud iPaaS platforms
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Hybrid EDI + API solutions
This makes the role future-proof.
Summary
An EDI Consultant is more than a technical role—it’s a problem-solving, integration, and business-enabling position. With the right skills and experience, it offers stability, growth, and global opportunities.
For anyone starting or growing in integration technology, EDI is a powerful and rewarding career path.
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